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Disabled Parking

All vehicles parked on campus must display a valid campus permit. A Disabled placard issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles is not a substitute for a campus permit.

Your best permit options …

If you have a Disabled placard or license plate and are an infrequent visitor to UCSB

Purchase a daily or short-term permit from permit dispensers located in parking lots throughout campus. View this Short Term Rates table to determine the cost of a permit.

If you become disabled

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the sole authorizing agency for Disabled placards. If getting to your campus destination imposes a hardship, we suggest that you contact the DMV for information about obtaining a Disabled placard. The DMV determines the duration of the placard.

A valid UCSB permit and a DMV-authorized Disabled placard entitles you to park in any “Disabled” space on campus.

If you are a disabled UCSB student and wish to apply for a Student parking permit

Students residing within two miles of campus need to visit the Parking Services office to apply for a Student permit. Be prepared to present your Disabled certificate and placard from the DMV. (Click here to determine whether the street on which you live is within two miles of campus.)

Students living outside the two-mile exclusion zone can apply for a Student permit online. Click to begin an order.

Where to park

Visit our drive-up Information Kiosk to speak to a service rep about where to look for conveniently-located parking. You might also use your visit to the Kiosk to pick up a campus map or buy a parking permit from a nearby permit dispenser.

The Information Kiosk is open Monday–Friday from 7:30AM to 8:00PM, and on Saturday–Sunday from 7:30AM to 5:00PM.

While all vehicles parked on campus must display a valid UCSB parking permit, a Disabled placard entitles you to park your vehicle in spaces not otherwise available to campus visitors, staff or students.

Every parking lot and structure on campus has spaces allocated to Disabled parking. The spaces are marked by a blue “Disabled” sign or curb stop.

Time-restricted spaces may be used without regard for the posted time limit.

Parking in metered spaces without paying the meter is allowed, provided that you display a valid campus permit. Without a valid campus permit, you must pay the meter.

Areas to avoid

Disabled placards are not valid in fire lanes, reserved or restricted areas, or in areas not designated for parking. Parking is not permitted at red curbs or in the blue crosshatched areas adjacent to the accessible spaces.

How Disabled spaces are allocated

Parking Services makes every effort to establish convenient parking spaces for disabled persons. The number and type of spaces are determined in accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines and specifications. The spaces are normally installed in parking areas close to building entrances.

We consider recommendations from the Disabled Students Program and other campus constituents to help us locate Disabled spaces.

FAQs Regarding Disabled Parking At UC Santa Barbara

Why does a disabled person have to pay for parking on campus?

All parking facilities, maintenance and administrative costs for parking are the responsibility of the Transportation & Parking Services units on UC campuses. As a result, Parking Services requires that all individuals utilizing the campus parking facilities pay for their access. Campus policy identifies that all users of the campus' parking facilities share in the costs of campus parking.

Parking Services' authority to establish all rules and regulations for parking on campus property is established through section 21113 of the California Vehicle Code.

Isn't it illegal to charge disabled individuals for parking?

No. Disabled individuals may be charged like any other person to enter a parking facility that requires a fee (i.e., a parking facility for an amusement park, sporting event, or special event). Similarly, the parking facilities at UCSB require a parking fee at all hours. Disabled individuals are provided with more convenient and more accommodating parking options, in accordance with CVC section 22511.5, but may still be responsible for paying for their campus access.

What does California Vehicle Code section 22511.5 mean if it does not mean that I can park for free in the specified zones?

CVC Section 22511.5 means that local authorities cannot restrict a disabled person from using disabled spaces, time zones, etc. Additionally, disabled persons may park at meters while paying the meter fee. Consistent with this section, the campus does not restrict disabled people from parking in these specified spaces. The campus does require that disabled persons pay the appropriate permit rate.

Parking permits are granted for the purpose of transportation to and from campus. Garaging (storing) your vehicle on campus is prohibited unless you are an "H" or "22IVA" permit holder in the assigned parking lot.

Parking permits are issued solely by Parking Services and are assigned after verification of eligibility.

Permits remain the property of UCSB and are assigned to individuls. They are not transferable between friends or family members.

Permits are issued when the applicant has paid the required fee, resolved all delinquent parking citations and provided proof of eligibility.

Failure to provide and maintain accurate information on the parking permit application may result in citation, fine, the loss of parking privileges and referral to the Campus Police or the Dean of Students for disciplinary action.

Decal type permits must be attached to the lower left hand (driver's) side of the windshield with the adhesive provided on the decal and without the use of tape, plastic sleeve or hang tag (unless originally issued in that format).